Ellington

Permit application for shooting range withdrawn

The man who proposed a commercial shooting range near Echo Lake has withdrawn his application for a conditional use permit after a contentious hearing before the Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee on Thursday.

Janice Laverne Nicholas

CME Group Presents Scholarships to 77 Illinois High School Seniors

(NAPSI)—On Tuesday, CME Group, the world’s leading derivatives exchange, presented 77 high school seniors with $1,000 college scholarship awards. The students were selected based on essays they wrote about innovation, as well as their academic standing and extracurricular activities.

4-H archers headed to national tourney

Five local archers in the Half Moon Highlanders 4-H club have qualified for the national competition in Nebraska in June.

Navigating Volatile Markets for a Secure Retirement

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Smart, Stylish Designs for Outdoor Kitchens

(Family Features) Kitchens are moving outside. And they’re doing it in a big way. According to a recent study from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), outdoor kitchens are expected to be a top design trend in 2016.

TRACK: Bigfork boys claim 2nd at state meet

BOZEMAN — Logan Morley completed this stellar prep career by dominating the distance events with victories in the 800 (1:57.14) and 3,200 (9:40.84) on the final day of action.

Motorcyclist clips camper, ends up in Deer Lick Creek

A San Diego California man was injured Friday afternoon after his motorcycle went into Deer Lick Creek on U.S. Highway 2 at Nyack.

Panel opposes shooting-range plan

At a packed hearing Thursday night to consider a proposed shooting range near Echo Lake, the Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee voted unanimously in opposition to the proposal after local residents criticized its potential safety, noise and environmental impacts.

Flathead National Forest releases draft Forest Plan environmental impact statement

The Flathead National Forest has a released a draft environmental impact statement for its new forest plan. The plan includes four alternatives — a no action alternative, an alternative that includes no wilderness recommendations and then two others that are somewhere in between.

Flathead County Commissioner primary: Harmon wants to be proactive, not reactive, he says

Tim Harmon wants to steer Flathead County down a path of tackling county issues with a proactive approach rather than reacting to challenges after the fact.

Flathead County Commissioner primary: Incumbent touts conservative values, her accountability

Get Involved in Preventing Mosquitoes

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Timothy Edward Strachota, 54

Timothy Edward Strachota, 54, passed away unexpectedly in Bigfork on April 13, 2016.

Sun Road back to two-lane traffic

Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road is back to two-lane traffic from Apgar to Avalanche Creek. A beaver dam, stressed by heavy rains on a remote stream failed earlier this week inundating a culvert and flooding the road.

LETTER: Support Don 'K'

I have had the privilege of knowing Don K for almost 20 years. Don is a dear personal friend. I am honored to be able to share my support for Don.

State auditor investigating alleged Columbia Falls Ponzi scheme

The Montana State Auditor’s Office has frozen the investment accounts of Catherine Ann “Cathy” Finberg for allegedly investing money without proper registration and mishandling more than $1.3 million in a suspected Ponzi scheme. 

Lake McDonald Lodge sees a $3 million makeover

The Lake McDonald Lodge in Glacier National Park has always been a grand place. But after a six-month long, $3 million renovation, the guest rooms and cabins have never looked better or been more comfortable as the lodge opened last weekend.

The Buzz On Bees

(NAPSI)—If you’ve ever wondered where the term “worker bee” comes from, consider this when you sit down for your next meal: One out of every three bites of food you eat exists because of bees and other pollinators. Without their contributions to the pollination of flowering plants, chances are your favorite fruit, vegetable or nut simply wouldn’t be as plentiful, economical or nutritious.

River races planned Saturday, Sunday

Bigfork will host its longest-running annual event this weekend — the Bigfork Whitewater Festival.

Canyon Creek road closed, West Side Reservoir road opens

Heavy rains and higher elevation melting snow are creating numerous road problems on the Hungry Horse/Glacier View Ranger Districts prompting temporary closures of roads.  

USFWS researcher gets prison for molesting colleague in Glacier Park backcountry cabin

A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist and scuba diver was sentenced May 20 in federal court to 6 months in prison for abusive sexual contact for sexually assaulting a female co-worker while the two were staying at a cabin in Glacier National park’s Quartz Lake.

After threatening note scrawled on bathroom wall, cops increase presence at Columbia Falls Schools

Columbia Falls Police Department has increased police presence at the junior high after a threatening note was found in a bathroom.

Bigfork filmmaker sheds light on sex trade

Slavery was abolished in the United States in 1865, but the latest work of Bigfork’s Academy Award-winning producer Jerry Molen shows that millions of people around the world and some in the United States are still held against their will.

Kats on a roll heading into state tourney

The Columbia Falls girls softball team will roll into the state tournament this week on a high note after beating a pair of conference foes last week.

Getts' winning streak ends in divisional; takes third

The streak is over. Columbia Falls senior Emily Getts was defeated by Mollie Lemm of Polson 7-6 (6), 6-3 in the semifinals of the Northwest A divisional tournament last Friday at Flathead Valley Community College.

Boys one-point shy of Western A title; rematch this week

The Columbia Falls boys track team was edged by Corvallis by one point for the Western A divisional title in Frenchtown Saturday. They’ll go head-to-head again this week as they face off at the state meet in Bozeman Friday and Saturday.

Rainy week thwarts the best laid fishing plans

The wet, but needed, rainy weather of the past week really threw a tailing loop into my last weekend’s fishing plans. Plan A was a 3-day trip to Craig, gorging on BBQ and bidding on Silent Auction items Saturday at Caddis Festival, then throwing streamers for couple of days on the Mo.

CFHS Academic Endowment was a success

To The Editor,

The Trees are Growing Every Day

To borrow the words of a good friend, our National Forests are like a big sandbox and we all need to figure out how to play together in it!  

Yellowstone forced to shoot rogue tourists

National Park Service officials today confirmed reports of the shooting of two tourists in Yellowstone Park early this season. The shootings were authorized under a newly implemented policy to protect bears.

Remembering Tom Edwards' kindness

It is sometimes hard to realize that I have been a North Forker for nearly 70 years. My parents, Ross and Louise Wilson, bought Kintla Guest Ranch from Matt and Mata Brill in 1947 and operated it until 1953 when it was sold to Pete Widener. He closed down the Guest Ranch and a high school buddy and I became the caretakers. That fall, Tom Reynolds sold us 10 acres on Kintla Ranch Road for $100 and at the ripe old age of 17 I became a North Fork landowner.

Nicholas Aubrey Wayne Ainsworth

Leland Carl Hulit

Barb Riley back on the school board after Monday appointment

School District 6 board of trustees unanimously appointed Barb Riley to fill the seat vacated by board member Scott Emmerich for the next year. Jill Rocksund was absent for the Monday night vote.

Park Service party draws a crowd

About 150 people attended a party to recognize the 100th birthday of the National Park Service last week at the Glacier Outdoor Center in West Glacier. The event was hosted by Glacier Country tourism.

Plan is in the works to manage Glacier Park's fish

Harrison Lake in Glacier National Park is an idyllic body of water. Tucked in the southern end of the park, away from the crowds and traffic, it looks like paradise.

City council goals center on parks, infrastructure

Adventure 2016

http://eeditions.shoom.com/doc/the-hungry-horse-news-hhn-niche/adventure_2016/2016052501/

North Fork road reopens; Sun Road still closed

With the rain stopping overnight, flood waters near Blankenship and the Canyon are receding. The North Fork Road reopened to vehicle traffic about noon today. The Sun Road remained closed at Apgar, however, except for park personnel and guests to the Lake McDonald Lodge.

Community Action sponsors contest for new logo

The Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana is marking its 40th anniversary by sponsoring a contest to change its logo.

Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce visitor center won't be staffed this summer

N. Fork residents dealing with flooding; road closed near Blankenship

Heavy rains over the weekend have caused some localized flooding, forcing the closure of the Going-to-the-Sun Road on the west side of Glacier National Park.

The Big Showdown Over Fingerprinting Uber and Lyft Drivers

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Your Mother Wishes She Had This Prenatal Vitamin

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For Graetz, Crown a special place for a lot of reasons

The 13-million acre Crown of the Continent stretches from Canada to Rogers Pass and more than 83 percent of its landmass is protected in some way, shape or form by statute, notes Rick Graetz, author, photographer and lecturer in geography from the University of Montana.

An Inspiring Look At Love, Illness And Recovery

(NAPSI)—According to the American Cancer Society, nearly two out of five Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some time in their lives. It’s a rare family that’s not affected—but if it ever happens to you, a new book may be both helpful and inspiring.

A Historical View of Food Publicity

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Protect Your Family During Summer Fun

(Family Features) Summer is the perfect time for outdoor recreational activities, from ballpark tailgates and camping trips to backyard barbecues or simply hosting a party outside. Portable generators can be used to make these activities even more enjoyable, but their exhaust fumes can pose serious risks. So before you head out to enjoy a fun summer day, make sure you’re ready to protect your family from the potential dangers associated with portable generator use.

Demystifying Composite Decking

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5 Simple Ways You Can Create More Healthy Days

(Family Features) Creating more healthy days is easier than you may think. Contrary to popular belief, overall health is more than just being free of disease or chronic illness. Other factors, such as access to fresh foods, neighborhood walkability and public safety, to name a few, can help cultivate healthy days within your community.

TENNIS: Libby boys win state title; Bigfork places two in top four

MISSOULA — It took one extra day to finish the Class B-C state tennis tournament, but all that meant was the parade was pushed back a day.

TRACK: Bigfork girls win divisional title

LETTER: Don 'K' for Senate District 3

As we approach the time to vote here in Montana, I have realized it is time to begin a process that I hope resonates across the country, let alone the state. And that is, simply — vote.

LETTER: Regier has proven record

The Senate seat in District 3 that is now highly contested by two well-known, well-liked candidates demands attention. We must not allow this contest to disintegrate into a pure and simple, but spirited, popularity contest.  

LETTER: GOP voter wake-up call!

The three local Republican races, Tim Harmon v. Pam Holmquist, Don “K” v. Keith Regier, and Jean Barragan v. Derek Skees, represent the split in the Republican Party.

Get Ready to Roll This Spring By Cleaning Up the Garage

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Rolling Stones Exhibit Rocks Music Fans

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C-Falls musicians get top ratings

Former Bigfork priest Shea dies

Monsignor Donald Shea, a decorated U.S. Army chaplain who spent the last chapter of his life as pastor of St. John Paul II Catholic Church in Bigfork, died Wednesday at Brendan House in Kalispell. He was 80.

GOLF: Bigfork wins first state championship

Libby freshman wins title with record round

HUNTLEY — Libby freshman Ryggs Johnston made quick work of the Johnny Walker course at Pryor Creek Golf Club on Wednesday, shooting an 8-under-par 63 to pull away from the field at the Class B state golf championships, winning medalist honors by six strokes.

TRACK: Divisional tournaments begin Friday

HELENA — There’s one final chance for the area’s track and field athletes to secure a spot at the state meet as divisional meets begin Friday around the state.

TENNIS: Rain hampers play at Class B-C state tournament

MISSOULA — Jason Brandt of Libby and Alex Buenz of Bigfork both were second-round winners in boys singles play on Thursday at the Class B-C state tennis tournament.

Get to Know Sarcoidosis: A Complex, Misunderstood Disease

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Enhance Your Summer Look With These Style Tips

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What Poor Posture May Be Doing to You

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Encryption Technology for Your Privacy

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Gabby DeLorme returns home

Columbia Falls High School senior Gabby DeLorme is back home after battling cancer since August.

Bigfork Art Walk May 21

On Saturday, May 21, downtown Bigfork will open its streets, stores and galleries for the annual Spring Art Walk from 4 to 7 p.m.

Prevenir el cáncer no es solo parte de mi trabajo, ¡sino de mi salud también!

(NAPSM)—Como madre, esposa, doctora y directora de la División de Prevención y Control del Cáncer, de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC), se pueden imaginar que me mantengo bastante ocupada. Por lo que hasta para mí sería fácil caer en la tentación de dejar mi salud para lo último. Como oncóloga, sé que eso no está bien. Al ser la persona encargada de cuidar la salud de mi familia, me doy cuenta que tengo que practicar lo que predico, y eso significa prevenir el cáncer.

Columbia Falls Wildkats clutch in softball win over Polson

The Columbia Falls softball team battled back from a 5-0 deficit to beat conference foe Polson 6-5 Tuesday night.

Glacier Twins win two on the road

Glacier seemed to find a cure for their early-season pitching woes in a pair conference victories last weekend.

Getts remains undefeated on the regular season

Columbia Falls senior Emily Getts remained undefeated for the regular season in girls tennis, but Polson’s Marlee Congdon gave her a great match.

Cats win ABC to wrap up regular season

The Columbia Falls boys track team wrapped up the regular season with a win at the Polson ABC meet Saturday. The girls were fifth.

Glacier Park encourages folks to do BioBlitz

Great at finding critters? The Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center will host a summer-long National Park Service Centennial BioBlitz at Glacier National Park. Visitors to the park are invited to become citizen scientists by documenting wildlife sightings within Glacier on the free iNaturalist app. The public may also sign up for a free account from their computer at http://www.inaturalist.org.

Planes aren't a problem in GNP

Better chances for grizzly sighting

Salmonfly is a 30-pounder meal for a trout

R

Dean Clarence Sturz

Leoti Fackenthall Harke

Gale R. Ritter

Gale R. Ritter, 72, passed away on Friday, May 13, 2016 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. She is survived by her children, Cindy Ritter and Teri Steffens. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2016 with the time still pending at 1640 North Fork Road (Loop) in Columbia Falls.

Woman nearly burned in camper, car fire Sunday

An elderly Columbia Falls woman was nearly burned in a fire early Sunday morning in Columbia Falls. Columbia Falls firefighters responded to a call of a camper on fire on 12th Avenue West about 4:46 a.m., Columbia Falls Fire Chief Rick Hagen said.

Letter that was never sent still helps CFAC demolition

A couple of weeks ago the Columbia Falls City Council was going to fire off a letter to the state Department of Environmental Quality about a permit delay for the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. demolition.

Redneck meats could be coming to Columbia Falls

First bakeries and beer, now sausages and other cured meats. Columbia Falls could become the culinary capital of the Flathead. Stampede Meats, the parent company of the popular Redneck brand of hot dogs and sausages could set up its business at the Columbia Falls Industrial Park, but the company cautions a lot still has to come together.

Hearing Loss Takes Center Stage With Free Test

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GOLF: Bigfork's Joseph Potkonjak tied for lead after first round at state tourney

HUNTLEY — The top golfers in Class B separated from the pack on the first day of play at the state tournament on Tuesday at the Johnny Walker course at Pryor Creek Golf Club.

Park plows reach the Big Drift; Kintla Lake road opens

The end is near. Glacier National Park plow crews have reached the Big Drift on the Going-to-the-Sun Road just east of Logan Pass.

Gentrys buy North Forty resort

North Forty Resort on U.S. Highway 40 is under new management with plans to add more weddings, winter guests and “glamping”, also called luxury camping. Kirk Gentry purchased it with his sisters Janelle and Michelle at the end of February.

Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation Workshop scholarship applications due May 31

The Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation’s scholarship applications are due by Tuesday, May 31, to attend the seventh annual Crown Guitar Workshop scheduled for Aug. 28 through Sept. 4, held at Flathead Lake Lodge in Bigfork. Students, teachers and performers of all ages who reside in Flathead, Lake, Sanders, Missoula and Ravalli counties are eligible to apply for the scholarship. Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, May 31, with scholarship awards announced on Wednesday, June 15.

Celebrate Summer with DIY Party Decor

(Family Features) Spring and summer present endless opportunities to celebrate, from events like graduations and birthday parties to barbecues and gatherings with friends. Impress guests and add an element of fun and whimsy to your party with these easy DIY balloon projects.

Home Remodeling Politics

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Pets and Social Media

(Family Features) From dogs and cats filling up social media feeds – some even with their own profiles – to true pet celebrities who command the attention of millions, animals have become a major part of the digital landscape.

8 Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy and Sharp

(Family Features) The brain is the body’s most complex organ. It’s also the most important one. That’s why keeping it healthy is critical, especially as you age. Every day, scientists are discovering how closely our minds and bodies are connected. As it turns out, the things that you do to keep your body and heart healthy may also be good for your brain.

Jewell visits Blackfeet Reservation to celebrate buy-back program

Blackfeet community members gathered in Browning last week to celebrate an agreement with U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell that could help transfer 900,000 acres back to the Blackfeet government ownership. The Tribal Land Buy-Back Program pays private owners a fair market price for land to willing sellers that currently is split between multiple owners and often can’t be used.

East Glacier man escapes police custody in Columbia Falls

An East Glacier man escaped from police custody yesterday afternoon after he was arrested for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend. Columbia Falls Police chased the man in patrol cars and a Two Bear Air helicopter for more than an hour before he was apprehended.

Glacier National Park, the ultimate classroom for thousands

While students from Cornelius Hedges Elementary School sit at the edge of Lake McDonald, a bald eagle swoops down and plucks a duck off the surface of the water in one graceful swoop of predation.

Bigfork Summer Playhouse opens 2016 season

The Bigfork Summer Playhouse will open its 57th season with “Church Basement Ladies” this weekend.

Five Things To Know When Leasing Wireless Devices

(NAPSI)—America’s wireless industry is constantly evolving but one thing doesn’t change: fierce competition for every single mobile customer means you have new options.

Older Adults Turn To Fitness For Optimal Health And Prove Youth Is A State Of Mind

(NAPSI)—For older adults, regular physical activity is an essential part of maintaining overall health and well-being. Exercise allows them to continue normal daily activities and live their best lives throughout retirement years. And for millions of older Americans—like Ruby Dailey, Robert Groh and Willie Washington—this path to improved well-being starts with SilverSneakers Fitness.

Living Landscapes Matter

Grizzly monitoring begins in Glacier

Glacier National Park asks visitors to be “bear aware” in the Park. A long-term interagency program to monitor grizzly bear population trends in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem will continue at the Park this year.

Bigfork artist Mya Bessette wins award

Bigfork acrylic artist Mya Bessette’s abstract painting “Infusion” earned third place in an international painting contest hosted by crowd-sourced design company Minted.com. Her entry, a contemporary abstract piece bursting with color, was one of more than 6,000 submitted to the Minted/West Elm Challenge. Prints of winning art pieces, such as Bessette’s, will be sold through West Elm as well as on Minted.com.

City wins skateboarding lawsuit

The city of Columbia Falls is not responsible for the 2008 skateboarding death of Casey Kent, a Flathead District Court jury decided Monday.

FBI raid in Hungry Horse finds grenade launcher in home

Two people have been charged after an FBI raid on a Hungry Horse home turned up an alleged cache of drugs and a grenade launcher.

School bomb threat turns out to be hoax

After conducting an extensive search Wednesday night, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office determined that a bomb threat at Bigfork High School had no validity.

Hungry Horse man injured in wreck on Highway 2

A Hungry Horse man was injured after crashing a 1955 Chevrolet Malibu car into an Oldsmobile Cutlass car at U.S. Highway 2 and Montana Highway 40 outside of Columbia Falls at about 2 p.m. today

Mow: Glacier gearing up for crowds

The National Park Service is celebrating its centennial this year, but visitors to Glacier National Park should expect the party to be a low-key affair.

Twins drop a pair to Bitterroot

Glacier Twins A struggled to get any offense going in a pair of non-conference American Legion baseball losses to the Bitterroot Red Sox A over the weekend.

Schnebel new Chamber director

Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce has hired Stacey Schnebel as the executive director and promoted Mark Johnson to president, leaving the vice president and treasurer positions open. The position of vice president will remain vacant until the fall. Mary Sterhan of North Valley Hospital was named treasurer at the chamber’s board meeting last week.

Getts stays undefeated in tennis

The Columbia Falls girls tennis team beat Hamilton 6-1 Saturday to round out their home matches this season. Emily Getts continued her undefeated streak. She dropped Grace Lemp of Hamilton, 6-0, 6-0 and Lili Szundy of Whitefish, 6-2, 6-1 on Thursday.

Judy L. Whirry

Judy L. Whirry of Columbia Falls passed away Tuesday, April 26, 2016, at North Valley Hospital of health complications.

18 SD6 teachers will take retirement deal

School District 6 will have 18 teachers retire by the end of next school year as part of a retirement incentive program, said Mikie Kimmet, District 6 human resources clerk.

Kats hammer Bulldogs, 15-0

Peyton Kehr went 2 for 3 with a home run and KJ Schweikert threw a three-inning no hitter as the Columbia Falls girls softball team easily dispatched Whitefish last Thursday at home.

Weyerhaeuser plywood plant has fire in dust collection system

Firefighters from Columbia Falls with assistance from Bad Rock and Whitefish spent more than two hours Friday evening putting out a fire at the Weyerhaeuser plywood plant in Columbia Falls.

School District 6 board trustee Hoerner thank you

My gratitude goes out to all who recently voted in the Columbia Falls School District 6 election and especially those who voted to elect me as a new trustee. I truly appreciate your support and confidence. My goal is to serve our community and district with wisdom and loyalty. At the end of my term I want others to know the job I did was that of a good and faithful servant. Thank you again and I pray blessings upon all of you.

Letter: State needs plan for oil train accidents

The Montana Public Service Commission’s recent announcement to complete a risk assessment and rail safety plan within the next six months is welcome news to the Flathead Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited. In addition to the human safety risks from a potential oil train accident, our Chapter has long been concerned about the risks posed to the wild and scenic Middle Fork of the Flathead River, a fragile but very important stronghold for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout.

Smalley talks about skunks, and of course, their stink

This week we’re talking skunks.

Free Marital Advice

From 1986:

Prediction: Flood or fire season?

Most years May is the time we start to worry about fire and flood. If we have a heavy snowpack we worry about a June flood, if we have a low snowpack we worry about a long fire season with possible stand replacement fires.

Park plows nearing Logan Pass

Glacier Park plow crews on the Going-to-the-Sun Road are closing in on Logan Pass. Crews as the Hungry Horse News went to press were pioneering at Oberlin Bend, which is less than a half-mile below the pass. On the east side, crews were working at No Stump.

School board member resigns; battling cancer

Longtime Columbia Falls school board member Scott Emmerich resigned from the board Monday evening after he announced he has cancer. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor in January. He said he starts an increased regimen of chemotherapy treatment next week.

North Fork artist paroled in child sex case

A North Fork artist was granted parole by the Montana Parole Board last month in a child sex case.

Bigfork couple escape house fire

A Bigfork couple escaped a fire in their Swan View Trail house just after midnight Tuesday.

GOLF: Libby's Johnston wins Division 3 tourney; Bigfork qualifies for state

ANACONDA — Libby freshman Ryggs Johnston didn’t flinch in his first postseason tournament, carving up Old Works Golf Club for a four-stroke victory in the Division 3 golf tournament on Tuesday.

Bigfork woman celebrates 100th birthday

CORA REYNOLDS of Bigfork celebrated her 100th birthday at the end of April.

Teens convicted, sentenced for Columbia Falls school vandalism

One teenager was convicted and another was sentenced recently for their roles in a vandalism incident where walls were spray-painted and windows were shot out at Columbia Falls High School.

Parking spaces to be added along Holt Drive

Flathead County commissioners approved a Bigfork project on Monday to expand public access to Flathead Lake.

Remodeling ahead at Bigfork library

After waiting roughly two years, Bigfork’s library has made the list to be remodeled to provide more room and tools for its patrons to tap into their creativity.

Chris Finberg hired as Columbia Falls boys basketball coach

Christopher Finberg has accepted a job offer as the new Columbia Falls boys basketball coach. He replaces Whitefish attorney John Anderson, who resigned earlier this year after a single, dismal season.

Centennial party planned in West Glacier

Glacier Country Montana is hosting its own celebration for the National Park Service centennial. The birthday party is May 18 from 5-7 p.m. at Glacier Outdoor Center in West Glacier.

New CDC Guidelines Seen as Boost for Chiropractic Care

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Dive Into Summer Fun With Disney•Pixar's 'Finding Dory' Products

(NAPSI)—Summer’s just around the corner. Kids are counting the days until

Take 2 Simple Steps To Help Protect Your Family

(NAPSI)—Many people may not realize that it only takes two minutes for a house to be engulfed in flames. The American Red Cross and its Home Fire Campaign partners are asking everyone across the country to take the following two simple steps to help decrease the risk of home fires and save lives:

Keep Your Trees Green and Your Property Value Greener

(Family Features) Mature trees increase property value by as much as 10 percent, according to the U.S. Forest Service. But a tree can shift from asset to liability when branches, trunks or roots suffer an injury and threaten to cause property or personal damage. Insects and disease are also potential threats to valuable trees.

Building or Replacing a Deck?

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7 Tips to Get a Step Ahead for Prom

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Learn More, Breathe Better

(Family Features) Only a few years ago, about one third of the population had not heard of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), despite its status as one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Now, nearly a decade later, awareness of COPD is on the rise.

Embracing the Season's Home Trends

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5 Ways to Add Luxury to Your Laundry Room

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TRACK: Records fall early at Archie Roe

It took less than 10 minutes for the first record to be broken at the Archie Roe Invitational track meet on Saturday at Legends Stadium.

TENNIS: Bigfork sweeps Troy, squares off with Libby

Libby beat and tied Bigfork’s boys and girls, respectively, while Bigfork swept Troy in Class B dual tennis action Friday in Libby and Troy.

NPS centennial centers on Park outreach, education

The celebration of the National Park Service’s centennial will focus more on outreach, education and just plain old enjoyment from the Glacier National Park perspective.

What Is $186 Million?

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Man dies after jumping into Running Eagle Falls

Details are still sketchy, but 26-year-old Clint Cory Not Afraid, from Browning died May 4 after he jumped into a shallow pool at Running Eagle Falls in Glacier National Park. The falls is a short hike off the Two Medicine Road on Glacier’s east side.

LETTER: Gianforte for governor

It’s that time again when we must decide who will lead and direct the business of our state for the next four years. Voting calls for mature thinking and basic informed decisions.

Bowman Lake Road opens; Park plows less than a mile from Logan Pass

Glacier National Park has opened the Bowman Lake Road and the Bowman Lake campground. RVs and truck and trailer combinations are not recommended at Bowman Lake due to the nature of the long, narrow and windy dirt road to the campground. Primitive, first-come-first-served camping is available at a cost of $10 per night. There are no potable water sources in the campground. Campers are advised to bring their own drinking water. Vault toilets are available. Bowman Lake also features a picnic area and several day hike opportunities.

Glacier's new bike shuttle starts Saturday

Glacier National Park will start a new bike shuttle service Saturday, with a shuttle running bikers and their bikes from parking areas at Lake McDonald Lodge to Avalanche Creek once the parking area at Avalanche fills up. The Park opened the Going-to-the-Sun Road to Avalanche Creek to motorists last Friday afternoon. 

Northwest Ballet Co. presents 'Alice in Wonderland'

Northwest Ballet Co.’s 36th annual spring show production, “Alice In Wonderland,” is coming to Bigfork over Mother’s Day weekend.

10 Questions to Ask About the Medicines You Take

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Mom Knows Best: Even When Buying a Mother's Day Gift

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Bigfork history buffs head to nationals

Nine Bigfork Middle School students are raising money for travel expenses to get to Maryland and compete in the Kenneth E. Behring National History Day contest June 12-16.

Zinke view of CFAC is “off center”

Having read Congressman Zinke’s letter recently posted, and having heard his story/photo-op stop at the now shuttered CFAC plant, I must respond. Being that I go back to the late Anaconda Aluminum era into the Atlantic Richfield era, as one of the Purchasing Department employees that ended up as the Purchasing Manager handling all major raw materials, with a budget of $56 million per year, a response is required. I have the utmost respect for Congressman Zinke, but his take on “things” as this plant is being torn down is off center. A reminder is needed in that Glencore’s attorneys got up from the bargaining table with our governor and his agencies, and thus turned their backs on the state taking the lead on whatever will be needed to salvage that property to a usable piece of real estate. At that point, the city council of Columbia Falls, of which I am an elected member, then lettered D.C. to help.

Photographing 100 species in 100 days

I’ve done a host of different photographic projects in Glacier National Park and the Crown of the Continent over the course of my 18-year career at the Hungry Horse News. In 2009 I photographed Glacier for 100 straight days for the Park’s centennial year in 2010. In 2010 I did a 100-mile hike through the Park for its centennial (where I got to watch a black bear swim by a big bull moose in Kootenai Lakes, which was definitely a very fun thing to watch. When a bull moose locks eyes with a black bear, let’s just say it’s an interesting moment. But I digress...) and in 2014 I retraced a big chunk of Bob Marshall’s original hike through what is now the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

Ostrom's Eden

Welcome back to wolves, Diane

Long time North Forkers will remember the days when Diane Boyd and Mike Fairchild led the early wolf research on the North Fork. As I recall, they named that first wolf they captured, Kishanena. Probably they would be rich today if they had been paid by the mile for following wolf tracks on snowshoes, recording their observations. They documented locations and routes of wolves, where they made kills etc. and, of course, documented everything while living in the old Frank Clute homestead at Moose City.

Smalley's circus memories

Sparrow's Nest launches homeless student campaign

Homeless mannequins are hanging out around Columbia Falls and other cities in the Flathead Valley this week.

The Prenatal Vitamin Your Mom Wishes She Had

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Kats go 2-2 at Frenchtown tourney

The Columbia Falls softball team went .500 at the Frenchtown tournament last Friday and Saturday. 

Getts win streak now at 7 as girls do well against Sentinel

Emily Getts continued her unbeaten streak last week, dropping three of her AA opponents in singles tennis.

Cats win Whitefish A.R.M.

The Columbia Falls boys track team continues to shine this season, winning the Whitefish A.R.M. Meet Saturday. The Wildcats edged Glacier, 99-95.

Roundup: CFAC delay riles council; council also unhappily OK's contract for backflow prevention tests

The Columbia Falls City Council Monday night voted to write Montana Gov. Steve Bullock concerning permit delays for demolition of the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. plant.

Glacier Park looking for bike patrol volunteers

Roadwork to be done by end of month

Montana Department of Transportation officials said that road construction to the junction of U.S. Highway 2 and Montana Highway 40 at the intersection by the Blue Moon Nite Club should be complete by the end of May.

Columbia Falls: Adventure Lives Here; Community effort to rebrand the place

Ten Signs Your Cooling System Requires A Service Technician

(NAPSI)—Before you turn on your air-conditioning system, you may need to perform a few simple maintenance tasks to ensure it runs efficiently—things such as changing filters, tightening loose screws and clearing away obstructions from vents. Systems that fail to turn on or present challenges beyond your expertise require the skills of a trained technician. This is especially true if your cooling system exhibits any of the following signs:

June Is National Safety Month: Tips To Protect Your Family And Home From Fire

GOLF: Bigfork second at Seeley-Swan Invite

SEELEY LAKE — Bigfork senior Joseph Potkonjak carded a 1-under-par 71 to lead the Vikings to a second place finish at the Seeley-Swan Invitational at Double Arrow Golf Course on Tuesday.

LETTER: Put the brakes on oil trains

The Montana Public Service Commission’s recent announcement of its plan to complete a risk assessment and rail safety plan within the next six months is welcome news to the Flathead Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

Man given probation for Bigfork burglary spree

A man was sentenced Thursday for his role in an Oct. 26, 2015, burglary spree in the Bigfork area.

Retrospect: Conrad Burns brought home the bacon to many local projects

Hungry Horse News

Montana visitors spent $3.7 billion last year; about 20 percent went toward fuel

Nonresidents spent a lot of money visiting Montana last year.

State agency looking for centenarians and their stories

The Department of Public Health and Human Services wants to honor Montana centenarians this fall at the 48th annual Governor’s Conference on Aging slated for Sept. 13-15 in Billings at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center.

Zinke's call for state oversight of CFAC won't happen anytime soon

Congressman Ryan Zinke’s call for the state to oversee cleanup of the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. site won’t happen anytime soon, although the state still has a say in how it’s being done.

Help Find the Best Cancer Treatments for Kids

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Quick Beauty Tricks for a Busy Morning

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Gardening with an Enchanted Twist

(Family Features) While the stress-relieving capabilities and health benefits of gardening are well known, a twist on this timeless hobby offers a way to add charm and a whimsical feel to your home and garden. Creating an enchanted fairy garden can boost imagination and offer a family-friendly way to hone your green thumb.

Outdoor Kitchens Add Fun, Function

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Get Your Car Spring Ready

(Family Features) Spring breezes may be blowing, but before you put those windows down and settle in for a leisurely drive to soak up that fresh air, your car needs some seasonal freshening of its own.

Get the Dirt on Deep Cleaning

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Increasing Road Safety with Cost-Effective Technology

(Family Features) Driving conditions have drastically changed in recent years, and thanks to the rise of cell phones and smart devices there are more distracted drivers on the road than ever before. In fact, the National Safety Council reports that 1.6 million crashes each year are a direct result of cell phone use while driving.

Feel Good About Clearing Clutter

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